Sources close to Holmgren told La Canfora he's attracted to the role "given the competitiveness of the roster, the skill players present, and his long relationship with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones."

Holmgren and Jones worked together for a decade-plus on the NFL's Competition Committee, but there's no indication the Cowboys have any interest in the former Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks coach. La Canfora reported that Holmgren is looking for a "perfect scenario," and will retire if it doesn't materialize.

The report is likely to draw the ire of fans in Cleveland, where Holmgren failed to develop a winner and left Pat Shurmur in charge of a team that hasn't won a playoff game since January 1995.